GOVERNOR PATRICK ANNOUNCES $4 MILLION IN FUNDING TO KICK-OFF SPRINGFIELD UNION STATION RECONSTRUCTION

Key Gateway City Transportation Hub will bring economic development to Downtown Springfield

SPRINGFIELD – Tuesday, November 20, 2012 – Governor Deval Patrick today announced the final $4 million in state funds needed to begin reconstruction of Springfield’s Union Station and reestablish the historic facility as the primary transportation hub for the region. Governor Patrick joined state and local leaders in a ceremonial demolition of a section of terminal wall to kick-off the $78 million project.

"Expanding passenger rail is directly connected to economic recovery, and the revitalization of Union Station is a powerful step in revitalizing downtown Springfield," said Governor Patrick. "I am thrilled today to be able to announce an additional $4 million through our transportation bond bill to see this restoration project through completion, and I thank our local and federal partners for their dedication to this important project."

“The $4 million in state funding announced today combined with additional federal funding helps to jumpstart the redevelopment of Union Station in Springfield,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. “Transportation is the enabling network of our economy, and we will continue to support the development of this transportation hub to boost job creation and economic growth in Springfield and across the region.”

In July, Lieutenant Governor Murray joined U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Congressman Richard Neal to announce $17.6 million in federal funding to implement Phase I of this redevelopment project.

"The successful renovation of Union Station has been a priority of mine for more than 30 years. I have always believed the restoration of this iconic Springfield landmark had the ability to transform the north blocks of downtown," said Congressman Richard E. Neal. "And it will bring a world class transportation center to the region in the process. Today represents the start of an important project that will benefit virtually everyone in western Massachusetts. It's an exciting day for the Pioneer Valley."

"This is another great example of Springfield, western Massachusetts and this Administration moving forward,” said State Representative Brian Ashe. “I am very excited about this project and what it brings to this region. Not only is this great for our transportation needs but it also brings much needed jobs to the area."

A revitalized Union Station is a key component in Knowledge Corridor passenger rail improvements including the realignment of the north-south Vermonter service, along with future passenger service from Montreal, and proposed service from Boston to Springfield.

The $4 million award with funds from the 2012 Transportation Bond Bill completes the $48.7 million necessary to begin the first phase of the $78 million project. Phase I construction will restore the Terminal Building and its central concourse, demolish the former Baggage Building, and construct a 24-bay bus terminal covered by a 146-space parking garage. In addition, the passenger tunnel will be restored and reopened providing stair and elevator access to the train boarding platforms and convenient access for pedestrians to the downtown.

The terminal concourse will include Amtrak, Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA), and Peter Pan bus ticketing and waiting areas along with transit-related retail space. Completion is expected in 2015.

The second phase of the project will ultimately include office space, a child care center, and additional garage parking and retail and commercial space. When completed, Union Station will be a state-of-the-art, LEED-certified intermodal transportation center for local, regional, and inter-city bus, Amtrak and commuter rail.

"This is not just good news for Springfield but will be a regional asset for the entire Pioneer Valley," said Chicopee Mayor Michael Bissonnette.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration, and Springfield Redevelopment Authority have worked collaboratively since 2010 on the development project.